Due to his wife, the all-time player for 76ers officially announce his retirement
PHILADELPHIA – During a special number retirement ceremony at halftime of Saturday’s game against the Washington Wizards at the Wells Fargo Center, Allen Iverson’s No. 3 will rise into the rafters on a banner placed alongside those honoring the greatest players in 76ers history.
Iverson will join Charles Barkley, Maurice Cheeks, Wilt Chamberlain, Billy Cunningham, Julius Erving, Hal Greer, and Bobby Jones as the eighth player in Sixers franchise history to have their number retired. During the ceremony, Sixers owner Josh Harris, NBA commissioner Adam Silver, and Iverson are scheduled to speak to the packed house. Erving, Moses Malone, Dikembe Mutombo, and Theo Ratliff are among the other notable attendees, in addition to former Sixers president Pat Croce and nine-time All-Star Gary Payton.
At the arena entrance, all fans in attendance will receive a voucher that can be redeemed at one of six stations on the main and mezzanine concourses for one of four classic Iverson giveaways, which will be given away at random. The Iverson bobblehead, “Alien” doll, Iverson Gumby, and Celebriduck are all up for grabs.
During his 14-year NBA career, which peaked when the 6-foot, 165-pound guard led Philadelphia to the 2001 NBA Finals, where it lost in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers, Iverson, 38, was selected for eleven straight All-Star teams and won the 2001 NBA MVP award. He was the 1997 Rookie of the Year, a seven-time All-Star selection, a four-time NBA scoring champion, the leader in steals three times, and the MVP of the All-Star Game twice. He is also well-known for his ferocious personality and a number of off-court issues, such as those involving his family and money, and a well-known tirade that questioned the value of practice.
Before the Sixers’ October season opener, Iverson made his official retirement announcement. “I don’t regret anything,” he said. “My career would have been ideal if I could go back and undo all the mistakes I made along the way. Had I not missed any shots, that is. Had I made no turnovers, that is. Every game, I would have erred to the right rather than the left when I should have. Instead of getting on 76 at five, I would have gotten on [I-76] at four. I am unable to undo it. Nothing can be taken back from me. So I’m not sorry I did it.
“It was a blessing for [God] to even get me here and get me to this point so I can retire,” he stated. “Even getting to play one NBA basketball game was a blessing. But in this league, I’ve accomplished a lot and won scoring titles and MVP awards. coming from Newport News, Virginia, weighing 160 pounds and soaking wet. What more is there to ask for, really? And for the remainder of their lives, my family will be well taken care of. Remorse? I possess none.”
Iverson was chosen by Philadelphia with the first overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft out of Georgetown. The small guard spent 12 seasons wearing a Sixers uniform and ranked second on the team’s all-time scoring list, just behind Greer.
Iverson continued his career in Turkey after having previously played for the Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets, and Memphis Grizzlies. With 24,368 points, he is ranked 19th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
A display of Iverson’s eleven NBA All-Star jerseys and a number of autographed and game-used items will be among the artifacts honoring his legacy that will be placed throughout the concourse on Saturday. The proceeds from the auction will go toward funding the “Sixers Strong” program.
In addition, beginning at 6:30 p.m., fans can watch hair stylist Kenny “The Professional” Duncan cut Iverson’s likeness into a fan’s hair on the concourse outside of Section 119. From the time the doors open until 7:10 p.m., West Philadelphian artist Ivben Taqiy will also paint an image of Iverson onto a sizable canvas. Marsha Ambrosius, a national recording artist, will perform the national anthem.
Iverson’s No. 3 will be displayed on pregame shooting shirts, and all Sixers players will sport exclusive “Iverson Forever” patches on their jerseys. The arena’s team stores will sell the patches.
It is also anticipated that surprise guests and members of The Roots will be present.
The Sixers will play highlight videos from Iverson’s career along with videos of some of the best players and coaches in the NBA’s history discussing Iverson, his influence on the game, and how he personally inspired them.
